Word Study for H7164 (קָרַס) | Strong's Concordance

qâraç /kaw-ras'/ Ask about this word

Roota primitive root

Meaningproperly, to protrude; used only as denominative from קֶרֶס (for alliteration with קָרַע),; to hunch, i.e. be hump-backed

KJV usagestoop.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of qâraç — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word qâraç, represented by H7164, is a primitive root meaning to stoop, hunch, or be hump-backed. According to its base definition, it is used as a denominative from another word for alliterative purposes. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, but its usage provides a powerful and specific image of collapse and failure.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

Both occurrences of H7164 are found in Isaiah chapter 46, where the prophet contrasts the power of God with the impotence of Babylonian idols. In a scene of divine judgment, the gods Bel and Nebo are depicted as failing. The text states that Nebo stoopeth H7164, and their idols have become a heavy burden carried by weary animals Isaiah 46:1. The imagery is reinforced immediately, stating, "They stoop H7164, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity" Isaiah 46:2. The word vividly portrays the idols as collapsing under their own weight, unable to save anyone.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words found in the same context illuminate the meaning of H7164:

H3766 kâraʻ (bow down, self): This word, meaning "to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate," appears alongside qâraç in both of its uses (Isaiah 46:1, Isaiah 46:2). This pairing of "stooping" and "bowing down" creates an emphatic picture of total collapse and submission.
H1078 Bêl (Bel): As "the Baal of the Babylonians," Bel is one of the principal gods described as falling Isaiah 46:1. The judgment against him is a recurring theme, as seen in prophecies where Bel is "confounded" and punished (Jeremiah 50:2, Jeremiah 51:44).
H3201 yâkôl (be able, could): The powerlessness of the idols is made explicit with this word. The passage states they could not deliver the burden Isaiah 46:2, highlighting their complete lack of ability.
H4422 mâlaṭ (deliver, escape): This word, meaning to rescue or save, is used to describe what the idols cannot do. They were unable to deliver the burden Isaiah 46:2, which stands in stark contrast to the Lord, who promises to carry and deliver His people Isaiah 46:4.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7164 is concentrated in its powerful imagery of divine judgment.

The Impotence of Idols: The primary function of qâraç is to physically depict the powerlessness of false gods. The "stooping" of Bel and Nebo is not a posture of worship but one of weakness and defeat, showing they are merely burdensome objects going into captivity Isaiah 46:2.
Judgment on False Worship: The collapse of the idols is a direct consequence of God's judgment. By showing them stooping and unable to move, the passage mocks the nations who trust in them. The idols cannot even support themselves, let alone the people who worship them.
The Unburdened Deliverer: The scene of the stooping idols is set in direct opposition to God's character. While the idols become a "burden to the weary beast" Isaiah 46:1, God promises His people, "I will carry, and will deliver you" Isaiah 46:4. The failure of the idols to deliver H4422 amplifies the unique power of the Lord as the true Savior.

Summary

In summary, H7164 is a rare but impactful word. Its meaning of "to stoop" is used with great precision in Isaiah to paint a picture of the complete and utter failure of idols. Paired with words for bowing down, it depicts the collapse of Babylon's gods under the judgment of the Lord. Ultimately, qâraç serves to create a sharp and memorable contrast between the burdensome, powerless idols and the God of Israel, who alone has the power to carry and deliver His people.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

קֹרֵס
קָרְסוּ

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in Isaiah — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.